asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to an article in a Sunday newspaper regarding the disposal of American coal dumped in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, and in Cork; and, if so, whether he will make a statement in the matter indicating in particular (i) the total loss involved to the Irish taxpayer; (ii) the cost of this coal to the country; (iii) the arrangements made for its sale, including price, and how this is made up; (iv) whether this coal is being at present mixed with British coal and, if so, what is the sale price of the mixture, and (v) whether any steps are being taken to ensure that this mixture or American coal only will not be sold as British coal at a higher price.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disposal of American Coal.
I dealt with the general position of reserve stocks of coal in the statement I made in Dáil Éireann on 28th October last
The average per ton cost of this coal when placed in the storage sites was £8 6s. 6d. Offers have been accepted from importing merchants to purchase, before 31st December, 1954, minimum quantities of 50,000 tons in Dublin and 9,000 tons in Cork at £5 10s. per ton at site.
With regard to parts (iii), (iv) and (v) of the question coal prices are not now subject to official control.
Does the Minister not consider that when we have evidence that this mixture which is masquerading as coal is being sold as best British coal at the price charged for best British coal he should have some power to safeguard the consumers from a fraud of this nature?
The coal sold in Dublin is of good quality.
The people who try to burn it will be glad to hear that.